Tafeltjie

Tafeltjie is an Afrikaans noun meaning a small table, a diminutive form derived from tafel, the word for table. The diminutive suffix -tjie is a common way in Afrikaans to indicate small size or endearment, and tafeltjie literally translates to a little table. The term follows the broader Dutch-Germanic pattern of forming diminutives and is widely used in everyday South African Afrikaans.

Usage and scope: Tafeltjie typically refers to a small, functional table such as a coffee table, a side table, or a children's table. It can appear in households, offices, or cafés, wherever a compact surface is needed. In spoken Afrikaans, tafeltjie is a familiar, informal word and may be used affectionately to describe a modest piece of furniture. The plural form is tafeltjies.

Related terms: The base word is tafel (table), and tafeltjie sits within a family of Afrikaans diminutives formed with -tjie or -jie. Variants may reflect regional pronunciation, but tafeltjie is widely understood across Afrikaans-speaking communities.

In culture and language: Tafeltjie appears in ordinary conversation, as well as in children’s literature and casual writing, where a small table is described or referenced. It exemplifies Afrikaans diminutive morphology and the everyday, practical nature of the language.